The John Muir Way is a long-distance route for walkers, runners and cyclists that crosses Scotland from Helensburgh to Dunbar to Helensburgh, or vice versa. There are plenty of great views and attractions along the way but you might want to tie in your trip with one of a list of events that take place in villages, towns and cities along the trail.
This is our guide to some of the best of what’s on along, or close to, the John Muir Way between April and August, 2022.
John Muir Way: What’s on in April
Edinburgh Science Festival
When: April 9 to 24
Where: In various locations across Scotland’s capital city.
What: Focusing on everything from personal to planetary health – and with an unashamed emphasis on the urgency of tackling the climate crisis – the 2022 Festival will explore lifeforms, lifecycles, revolutionary ideas and solutions to global challenges.
More info: Science Festival
John Muir Way: What’s on in May
Edinburgh International Children’s Festival
When: May 7 to 15
Where: Various locations across the city.
What: An annual festival of events and entertainments for young people.
More info: Children’s Festival
Reverse Rett Run 2022
When: Sunday May 15
Where: Archerfield Estate, between Gullane and North Berwick
What:A 5k and 10k race event in the beautiful grounds of the Archerfield Estate and including a section of the John Muir Way. The day also includes a 1k children’s race. In addition, there will be face painting, bouncy castle, stalls and live music.
More info: Reverse Rett Run
Union200 Flotilla
When: May 20 to 22
Where: Linlithgow
What: A flotilla will celebrate the 20th anniversary of the opening of the Union Canal at this weekend event. The Flotilla 200 starts from both ends of the canal, with boats initially mustering at Lochrin Basin Edinburgh and the Falkirk Wheel, before setting off to converge on the Saturday afternoon at Manse Road Basin in Linlithgow.
More info: Flotilla 200.
FLY Open Air Festival
When: May 21 to 22
Where: Edinburgh
What: A music festival that showcases some of the best electronic live acts and DJs from around the world.
More info: FLY
Tide & Time: Dunbar’s Festival of the Sea
When: May 29 to June 4
Where: Dunbar, East Lothian
What: Starting with The Herring Trail walk on Saturday May 29 and with a Celebration of Dunbar Fishing form May 31 to June 4, there is plenty for all ages at the coastal town’s first Festival of the Sea:‘TIDE AND TIME’!
More info: Tide & Time
John Muir Way: What’s on in June
Helensburgh and Lomond Highland Games
When: June 4
Where: Helensburgh Rugby Football Club, Helensburgh
What: The popular event features a variety of traditional Highland Games competitions such as the Sheaf Toss, Hammer Throw and, of course, the world-famous Caber Toss. There will also be lots of athletics with dedicated Highland Dance and Solo-Piping stages.
More info: Highland Games
Tide & Time: Dunbar’s Festival of the Sea
When: Until June 4
Where: Dunbar, East Lothian
What: The Festival of the Sea continues. (See above for more details.)
More info: Tide & Time
Hidden Door Festival
When: June 9 to 18
Where: Old Royal High, Edinburgh.
What: A volunteer-run charity event that sees the opening up of forgotten urban spaces for the public to explore and discover music, art, theatre, film, dance, spoken word and more.
More info: Hidden Door Festival
Let’s Rock Scotland
When: June 18
Where: Dalkeith Country Park, Edinburgh. This is a short detour from the John Muir Way but possible if you are keen to attend this festival.
What: Let’s Rock! is an Eighties family-friendly festival in association with Absolute Radio.
More info: Let’s Rock Scotland
John Muir Way: What’s on in July
Loch Lomond Highland Games
When: July 16
Where: Moss o’ Balloch Park, Balloch
What: Expect all the best traditional Highland games sports and some more modern additions. The event takes place at a country park close to the southern shore of beautiful Loch Lomond.
More info: Games
John Muir Way: What’s on in August
Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
When: August 5 to 27
Where: Edinburgh Castle
What: The Edinburgh Tattoo is an incredible event with music, dance and entertainment in historic Edinburgh Castle. Expect an evening of Scottish pipe and drum bands, Highland dancers and other performers.
More info: Royal Edinburgh Tattoo
Fringe by the Sea
When: August 5 to 14
Where: North Berwick
What: A host of entertainment with 150 acts across 10 days. The line up includes local and international bands, comedians, a silent disco, award-winning authors, street performers, foodie masterclasses and more.
More info: Fringe by the Sea
Edinburgh Festival Fringe
When: August 5 to 28
Where: Locations across the capital city
What: The Fringe is a celebration of arts and culture. For three weeks in August, the city welcomes an explosion of creative energy from around the globe. Artists and performers take to hundreds of stages all over the city to present shows for every taste.
More info: The Fringe.
Party at the Palace
When: August 13 and 14
Where: Linlithgow Palace, Linlithgow
What: The two-day “boutique” music festival takes place at historic Linlithgow Palace with a line up of live music and activities. Acts include Ocean Colour Scene, Del Amitri and The Silencers and many more.
More info: Party at the Palace Edinburgh Art Festival
When: July 28 to August 28
Where: Locations across Edinburgh
What: Founded in 2004, the Edinburgh Art Festival is a platform for the visual arts at the heart of Edinburgh’s August festivals, bringing together the capital’s leading galleries, museums, production facilities and artist-run spaces.
More info: Edinburgh Art Festival.
John Muir Alpacas
When: Daily
Where: Hedderwick Hill Farm, near Dunbar
What: Join an Alpaca Walkies experience close to John Muir Country Park and the John Muir Way. You’ll have the chance to walk your alpaca through picturesque woodlands, stopping along the way for photo opportunities. Then it’s back to the paddock for the alpacas to enjoy some carrots.
More info: John Muir Alpacas.
Make plans for the John Muir Way
If you want to discuss any plans or ideas you have for walking, running or cycling the John Muir Way in Scotland please do give Highland Transfers a call. We can help with luggage transfer between your overnight accommodations and we have a wealth of other information that we can discuss with you.
Ride Light with Us
We move your bags from door to door. Covering the West Highland Way, An
Turas Mòr, and NC500. Focus on the ride, not the weight.
- Daily Luggage Transfer
- Route Planning
- Local Support
The 2026 season runs from 22 March to 19 October.
offering self-guided walking and cycling holidays.
Scenes from the West Highland Way
Breathtaking scenery awaits at every turn of the West Highland Way
Cape Wrath Lighthouse
Highland Passes
Remote Tracks
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